May 02, 2023

How to Clean Porcelain Tiles After Installation

A type of ceramic, porcelain tiles are more durable, scratch-resistant, and stain resistant than other ceramics. Porcelain tile floors are attractive, hygienic, and elegant. But, installation can leave your porcelain tiles looking a little messy.

Want to know how to clean porcelain tiles after installation, and keep them looking clean and shiny? We’ve made it easy for you, with this simple porcelain tile cleaning guide. For professional tile installation experts, we have top product recommendations for you to deliver perfect post-installation results.

What this article covers:

How to Clean Porcelain Tile After Installation
Which Products Are Best for Cleaning Porcelain Tile After Installation?

How to Clean Porcelain Tile After Installation

The best way to clean porcelain tile is with a dampened cloth as soon as possible after installation. But, you may not notice anything at first. Even though you or your tile installation workmen will have wiped the excess grout away, a bit always gets left behind, often unseen.

This is especially common when the color of your tiles is neutral which is similar to the grout color. At any rate, when still wet, this haziness from leftover grout is easily spotted once it has dried.

To remove grout haze from porcelain tile, you can reach for a professional tile cleaner, just like you’d use professional carpet cleaning chemicals on a carpet or rug. But if you don’t have professional products to hand, you don’t need to panic about how to clean porcelain tiles after installation.

It’s a lot simpler than you’d think, but we have found that it’s best to wait until the grout has been set. This usually takes about 24 hours.

Cheesecloth Method

Take a dry piece of cheesecloth and rub it over the tile surface to remove loose bits of tile haze. Experience has taught us it’s the best way to clean matte tiles that have grout haze on them after installation. Then just sweep or vacuum up the loosened bits that have fallen off.

The dry cheesecloth method is usually effective for minimal tile haze. For more stubborn or thicker grout deposits, you’ll need to dampen the cheesecloth or use the next method.

Vinegar Method

A diluted vinegar solution does the trick when you need to clean shiny porcelain tile. Mix four parts water with one part vinegar in a bowl, and moisten a clean cloth with this mixture.

Wipe this over the smooth porcelain and it will remove the haziness. If necessary, add a few extra drops of vinegar for stronger cleaning. After all the grout haze has been removed, wipe again with another clean damp cloth, using only water.

Always proceed with care when using water-based methods for porous tiles like natural stone, slate, marble, or travertine. Our research suggests that extended periods of moisture exposure can damage these materials. So, don’t let water sit on the tile surface or grouting lines for extended periods.

Porcelain, however, is nonporous and therefore more practical and easy to clean.

Baking Soda

As millions of homeowners around the world have discovered, baking soda can be used to clean many household surfaces. It is also very effective at cleaning unglazed porcelain tile. Simply sprinkle some baking soda on the tiled floor and use a damp cloth over it to scrub away any haze.

Once the mixture has done its magic and dissolved the tile haze, wipe over the tiled surface again with a clean damp cloth using only water. This can also be done whenever you need to remove tough stains and dirt in the future.

What Not To Use

Never use ammonia or harsh acids to clean porcelain tiles. Our experts in the field agree It’s a very harsh method that will strip away the grouting and damage the surface of the tikes.

It will do even more damage to unglazed porcelain. So rather than harsh bleaches and acids, use the remedies above or an oxygen-based bleach.

Which Products Are Best for Cleaning Porcelain Tile After Installation?

There are several professional cleaning products designed for tiles. However, not all tiles are alike. Some are porous, some are glazed, and some are unglazed. Choose the best product to clean porcelain tile that matches your specific tiles. Check the instructions on the packaging for more info.

If you are a tile installer and are looking for how to clean porcelain tile after installation at customers’ homes or businesses, we have what you need right here.

For Larger Commercial Applications

For larger porcelain tile floor areas, the job will be made a lot easier with our Turbo Force Hybrid Tile & Grout Cleaning Tool.

This is designed for professional and industrial use and is used in conjunction with a portable or truck-mount machine. The Turbo Force cleans 400–1,000 sq ft per hour and has a durable yet lightweight design.

For Medium-Sized Commercial Applications

The Westpak Tile Blaster Combo has 4 jets for cleaning and contains both a squeegee head and a brush head.

This versatile tool can be used to clean porcelain tile floors after installation, as well as other tiled surfaces.

Tile & Grout Cleaner

Groutmaster Tile & Grout Cleaner is the best product for cleaning porcelain tile grout. This 3-in-1 tile and grout cleaner is suitable for all tiled surfaces.

It removes grout haze after installation and cleans older tile and grout that is looking dirty or greasy. Perfect for residential, restaurant, or hotel kitchen splashbacks, it won’t do any harm to surrounding walls, appliances, and cabinetry.

Conclusion

Porcelain tile is one of the best tile options for durability, scratch, and stain resistance. When properly cared for, porcelain tile surfaces will be a good investment for your home. But like any other surfaces, they need to be kept clean.

Whether you’re looking for the best professional products for your customers, or top-quality products for us in your own home and business, we’ve got you covered.

We have a wide range of commercial carpet cleaning equipment for sale, as well as multi-purpose detergents and stain removers. We’ll help you keep all surfaces, including porcelain tile, clean and beautiful for years to come.

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